In the previous post, below this one, I featured a sakiori sodenashi–a sleeveless garment woven from indigo rags–which was heavily used, patched and repaired. The one I am showing today is its opposite: it is beautifully finished, in fine condition, and whereas the previously posted sodenashi has wild stitching, the stitching on this garment is precise, practiced and regular.Notice the stitches joining the two pieces of sakiori cloth: this beautiful way of composing this garment is what sold me on it.Of course, the hand woven, indigo dyed cotton banding which finishes the edges of the garment is also a really nice touch–as is the beautifully placed and stitched shoulder reinforcements, seen below. In addition to the details mentioned above, this sodenashi also bears an essential detail which makes it desirable: it is woven using a hemp warp, which is something I love to see in sakiori.And the color. This rich, warm, indigo blue is simply beautiful–this sakiori sodenashi is understated, elegant and in very good condition.

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Claudia:

A most interesting piece with the stitching joining the two sakiori pieces, as you say. Thank you so much for the usual close-ups! It looks like blanket stitch somehow done together creating the lovely edge stitch down the middle with the bars either side. Hmm.. maybe your other hand sewers will know how that’s done. I do all my Japanese hand sewing of small bags etc with running stitch or sashiko. In fact, the one time I was tempted to machine stitch something I found it just doesn’t work, just doesn’t look right, simply isn’t right! Thank you for all these interesting posts.